Judge issues stern warning to Lawyers

If lawyers appearing before Justice Frederick Bruce-Lyle waste the court’s time and do not cooperate, they will see a different side of the High Court Judge.

Justice Bruce-Lyle made his position clear to all Barristers present at the start of the Criminal Assizes on Monday at the High Court.{{more}}

“This year, I have taken a vow (that) those who come to annoy me would see a different side of me,” Bruce-Lyle sternly warned.

He told the lawyers not to waste time: “If you don’t have a case, do not proceed. This goes for both sides. It makes no sense flogging a dead horse.”

The outspoken Judge also urged the lawyers to work and conduct themselves in an atmosphere of respect and collaboration for the execution of justice.

The judge stated that the backlog at the High Court lies heavily upon the behavior of some barristers. “Let’s leave our egos behind.

We lose all respect (for) people with inflated egos, and we must look at ourselves seriously.” Bruce-Lyle advised.

Justice Bruce-Lyle also expressed his concern about the state of the legal fraternity last Thursday at a special sitting of the High Court. He said he is saddened that the public sees the profession sinking. “It really pains me to hear certain names being carried around, and it is a cause for alarm,” he said.

A challenge was also thrown out to the young lawyers to raise the bar of their work and profession: “Do everything possible to lift the image of the profession, even if it’s by a notch.” The High Court judge added that their profession is the “watchdog of society”, and the bar should be more outspoken on issues in society. He said by doing this, more people would listen and more things would get accomplished.